Lung Volume Partitions

Question 1

What do we use to measure lung volume?

Answer 1

SPIROMETER!

Question 2

What are the volumes for the lungs?

Answer 2

Tidal volume (TV)
􏰀Volume of air exchanged during rest breathing
􏰀
Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
􏰀 Maximum volume of air which can be inspired after a tidal
inspiration
􏰀
Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
􏰀Maximum volume of air which can be expired after a tidal
expiration
􏰀
Residual volume (RV)
Amount of air left in the lungs after a maximum expiration 􏰀 Only volume not measured directly

Question 3

What is EEL, where is it relative to the capacities and volumes, and what the alveolar pressure is at EEL?

Answer 3

End Expiratory Level
Lung volume measured at the rest point of respiration
􏰀
At the end of a tidal volume expiration (at the top of FRC)
􏰀
Alveolar pressure = atmospheric pressure
􏰀(So alveolar pressure = 0)

Question 4

How can lying down impact lung volumes/capacities?

Answer 4

Gravity compresses, and the abdominal center is backwards. When it goes up, it pushes the diaphragm up, giving it less room in the superior/inferior area.

Question 5

What factors impact vital capacity?

Answer 5

Body build/size
􏰀 Sex: males larger than females
􏰀 Age: decreases as age increases after adulthood

Question 6

Know how to calculate the different capacities

Capacities
combo of 2+ volumes

Answer 6

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)
􏰀Total amount of air which can be held in the lungs 􏰀 All volumes added together
􏰀 TLC = TV + IRV + ERV + RV

Vital Capacity (VC)
􏰀Maximum amount of air which can be inspired after a maximal expiration
􏰀 VC = TV+ IRV+ ERV
􏰀 VC = TLC – RV

Inspiratory Capacity (IC)
􏰀Maximum volume of air which can be inspired after a tidal expiration
􏰀 IC = TV + IRV

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) 􏰀 Amount of air in lungs after a tidal expiration 􏰀 FRC = ERV + RV (must be calculated)